Abstract: A self-locking, angularly-tilting seat support is provided for supporting fishing boats and the like. The seat support includes a mounting plate adapted to support a seat thereon. A support stud has its upper end pivotally attached to the bottom of the mounting plate and its upper end slidably received within a pedestal. A pivot block is fixedly attached to the bottom of the mounting plate. A bushing is slidably mounted about the support stud and abuts the pedestal support. The pivot block and the bushing matably engage at a plurality of angular positions such that downward forces exerted on the mounting plate are transferred to the pivot block thereby effecting locking engagement between the pivot block and the bushing.

Abstract: A fold-up navigation light for boats and the like includes an elongate support pole having a bifurcated construction with an upper portion supporting a light, and a lower portion configured for mounting on an associated boat. A pivot coupling selectively interconnects the upper and lower portions of the support pole for rotation between an extended position wherein the upper and lower portions are aligned to support the light at a raised unobstructed location above the boat, and a fully retracted position wherein the upper and lower portions are folded together in a parallel relationship to reduce the length of the support pole to facilitate storage on the boat.

Abstract: A retractable cleat for recreational boats and the like includes a seal to inhibit moisture from entering the interior of the cleat. The retractable cleat has a base member, a retractable cleat member and seal positioned therebetween. The base has an upper plate for mounting on an associated boat surface, and a tube depending therefrom. The tube has a hollow interior with a stepped-shaped seat disposed adjacent to an uppermost end thereof. The retractable cleat member has an upper cleat-shaped head and a post depending therefrom. The post is telescopingly received into the interior of the base tube. The seal has an exterior surface thereof closely received in the base seat, and an interior surface closely receiving the cleat post therein. The resilient seal is configured to permit the post to slide longitudinally when the retractable cleat is shifted between a raised use position and a lowered storage position, and forms a watertight seal about the post to inhibit water from seeping into the base.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, inexpensive surge restrictor for use in the fuel tank vent line of a marine craft includes a housing which defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a baffle member disposed within a flow path through the chamber so that liquid passing therethrough impinges upon and is redirected to dissipate liquid momentum, and a movable closure member, which in response to a surge of liquid into the inlet, abates liquid flow through the surge restrictor. More specifically, the movable closure member is movable between a normal rest position wherein vapor and air can easily flow through the surge restrictor to allow venting and atmospheric pressure equalization within a fuel tank, and a liquid fuel surge arresting position wherein the closure member blocks a passageway in the flow path between the inlet and outlet of the surge restrictor to abate fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A fuel filling assembly for liquid fuel tanks, especially on boats or the like, includes a fill tube adapted for mounting through a deck and a closure cap preferably hinged over the fill tube opening for selective opening and closing. Preferably, a positioning member allows the closure cap to be mounted in various positions with respect to the fill tube to accommodate various mounting locations on a boat. The fill tube may be angled or straight to further accommodate varied mounting positions. In one version, a separate vent tube joins the fill tube to provide continuous fuel tank venting, pressure equalization and return of fuel overflow to the fuel tank in case of tank overfill. In the vented version, a rigid shield on the closure cap extends over the opening to a vent passageway through the cap to restrict the escape of liquid fuel in the event of fuel surge due to extreme boat movements or the like when the closure cap is closed.

Abstract: A fuel filling assembly for liquid fuel tanks, especially on boats or the like, includes a fill tube adapted for mounting through a deck and a closure cap preferably hinged over the fill tube opening for selective opening and closing. Preferably, a positioning member allows the closure cap to be mounted in various positions with respect to the fill tube to accommodate various mounting locations on a boat. The fill tube may be angled or straight to further accommodate varied mounting positions. In one version, a separate vent tube joins the fill tube to provide continuous fuel tank venting, pressure equalization and return of fuel overflow to the fuel tank in case of tank overfill. In the vented version, a flexible valve member on the closure cap closes a vent passageway through the cap in the event of fuel surge due to extreme boat movements or the like when the closure cap is closed.

Abstract: A lift-up cleat assembly includes a base member having an upper plate shaped to abut a mounting surface and at least one normally vertically oriented tube depending from the plate, wherein the tube has a hollow interior, and a retractable cleat member having an upper cleat-shaped head shaped to retain lines thereon, and at least one normally vertically oriented mounting post depending from the head, wherein the post is telescopingly received in the interior of the tube of the base member and is telescopingly movable along a given length of travel.